The rift between the family of the late former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, and the state government led by Seyi Makinde over the handling of the burial of the two-term governor, has resulted in a drama at the 8th day Fidau prayer for the deceased.
KanyiDaily had reported that Ajimobi died on Thursday, June 25, 2020, due to multiple organ failure arising from coronavirus complications.
His burial was initially scheduled for Friday, but the event was later postponed to Sunday following consultations with the governments of Lagos and Oyo.
The widow of the former governor, Florence Ajimobi had accused Makinde of playing politics with her husband’s death, begging the governor to allow the deceased to rest in perfect peace.
However, Governor Makinde denied the accusations which he described as a wicked lie, noting that he was not responsible for the delay of the burial.
On Sunday, July 5, 2020, a delegation of Oyo State government led by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Raufu Olaniyan, was turned back from entering the Yemoja Street, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan residence of the Ajimobis.
It was learnt that security details attached to the venue were said to have resisted efforts by the delegation to enter as they almost engaged in open confrontation with the security details attached to the deputy governor.
It was gathered that Olaniyan thereafter left after making frantic calls to people believed to be close to the family to register his displeasure on the treatment meted out to him and other members of the delegation.
Olaniyan’s security details were said yo have rebuffed the idea, but when their argument was degenerating, a senior policeman intervened and they eventually agreed that only the deputy governor’s vehicle should go in.
Again, getting to the venue of the event, the gate was locked. The deputy governor was told the entrance was locked and that the former first lady, wife of Ajimobi, was in charge of the keys.
The deputy governor left the venue of the event 15 minutes later when it became obvious that he was not welcome.
Omolere Omoetan, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor confirmed the development to newsmen saying: “Very correct. He was not allowed in. Security details at the gate said, ” Madam is with the key to the gate”.
KanyiDaily had reported that Abiola Ajimobi was buried on last Sunday amidst tears from family members and the presence of clerics in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
